Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Banking, Trade and Commerce

Issue 29 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Wednesday, February 20, 2002
(33)

[English]

The Standing Committee on Banking, Trade and commerce met at 3:50 p.m. this day, in room 505, Victoria Building, the Chair, the Honourable Senator Kolber, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Banks, Furey, Hervieux-Payette, P.C., Kelleher, P.C., Kolber, Kroft and Tkachuk (7).

Other senator present: The Honourable Senator Angus (1).

In attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament, Economic Division: Mr. Alexandre Laurin, Research Officer and Ms June Dewetering, Senior Analyst, and from the Law and Government Division: Mr. Geoff Kieley, Research Officer.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, March 20, 2001, the committee resumed its examination into the present state of the domestic and international financial system and in particular its study on Canada-United States Borders Issues. (See Issue No. 6, March 28, 2001, for full text of the Order of Reference.)

WITNESSES:

From the Privy Council Office:

Mr. Robert Fonberg, Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Plans and Consultation;

Mr. Phil Ventura, Assistant Deputy Minister, Borders Task Force, Plans and Consultation.

Mr. Fonberg made an opening statement and, with the assistance of Mr. Ventura, answered questions.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, February 5, 2002, the committee began its examination of Bill C-23, An Act to amend the Competition Act and the Competition Tribunal Act.

WITNESSES:

From Industry Canada:

Mr. Konrad von Finckenstein, Commissioner, Competition Bureau;

Ms Suzanne Legault, Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Competition, Legislative Affairs Division, Competition Policy Branch, Competition Bureau;

Ms Louise Faille, Legal Counsel, Competition Law Division;

Mr. David McAllister, Senior Competition Law Officer, Civil Matters Branch, Competition Bureau.

Senator Angus made the following personal statement:

``It appears evident on the face of Bill C-23 that it is directed, at least in part, against Air Canada.

I am a member of Air Canada's Board of Directors and wish to declare my interest in this regard.

In the circumstances, I will not be attending or otherwise participate in the hearings on Bill C-23. I have arranged with my Party to replace me on the committee for the duration of the Bill C-23 hearings.''

Mr. von Finckenstein made an opening statement and, with the other witnesses, answered questions.

At 6:30 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Denis Robert

Clerk of the Committee